A pearly-white smile is a dream of every person.
Paying a visit to a dental clinic for regular checkups is one of the healthiest habits to hold onto. Many people go to their family dentist now and then to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.
However, just seeing a dental care specialist is not enough. Someone has rightly quoted, “You are what you eat,” and so, it is a must for you to take care of your dietary habits and lifestyle to maintain good oral health.
Dentists often recommend avoiding certain foods and beverages that can hurt your smile and lead to gum diseases. So in this post, we have jotted down a list of 11 foods and drinks you should steer clear from to flaunt a bright smile. Let’s have a look.
1. Soda
Chilling on a couch with soda and something good to munch feels comforting and dreamy, but it affects your health badly in the longer run.
The foremost part of a dental care regime is to avoid soda at any point. Soda is loaded with acids and sugars, which are harmful to your teeth. The acid in soda degrades the tooth enamel, whereas sugar gives direct entry to bacteria in plaque formation.
Several gum inflammations are a result of the over-consumption of soda drinks. If you are willing to avoid gum diseases, stay away from soda!
2. Sports Drink
It is a myth that sports drinks are healthy.
Of course, these are healthier than soda, but these also lead to deteriorating oral health. Similar to sodas, the acid and sugar content in sports drink cause degradation of your tooth enamel. So, look for substitutes to get the energy you want rather than relying on sports drinks.
You can consult with your dentist in Goose Creek to find a suitable alternative.
3. Candies
We hate to admit to all the sugar lovers out there, but candies are bad for your oral health.
Candies are nothing but sugar, and sugar is the main culprit behind degrading oral health. The caramel in sweets and sugary content in lollipops gives an easy way to bacteria. Say no to candies or minimize their consumption to ensure strong and healthy teeth.
4. Citrus Fruits
Yes, you read it right.
Citrus fruits are bad for your oral health. Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are high in acid content, and you are well aware of what acid does to your teeth. The high acid content and weaken your teeth and cause oral health problems.
Make sure to consume them in the right proportion and stick with a brushing-flossing routine.
5. Tomatoes
Apart from citrus fruits, another healthy goodness that can hurt your oral health is tomatoes.
Again, tomatoes are rich in acid content and can cause oral problems.
So, what should you do then?
You cannot avoid fruits and vegetables because they are also rich in vitamins and minerals. What you can do is make them a part of your meal. You can eat them in smaller portions. The only thing you have to ensure is that you do not drink citrus juices all day long.
6. Chips and Other Starchy Carbs
Do you know how bad starchy carbs, including chips and white bread, are for your health?
Truth be told, these not only lead to obesity but also deteriorate your oral health. Try to check your cravings for pasta, pizza, chips, and other starchy delicacies to maintain good health.
7. Alcohol
Apart from ruining your liver and bones, alcohol can do a lot of harm to your body and oral health.
Alcohol is rich in acids, which can negatively impact your teeth. The most commonly consumed cocktails are rich in both sugars and acids. In addition to this, alcohol dries out the mouth, which decreases the flow of saliva. Saliva not only helps in lubricating your mouth, but it also protects you from harmful bacteria.
Goose Creek family dentist recommends steering clear of alcohol as dry mouth can further lead to worse implications.
8. Coffee and Other Caffeinated Beverages
Coffee is addictive, and it gives a nice boost to your system.
Sipping on coffee on a gloomy day can instantly refresh your mind. However, similar to alcohol, coffee dries out your mouth. A dry mouth is more vulnerable to germs and tooth damage. Please limit your coffee and tea intake to safeguard your teeth.
9. Popcorn
Yes, the delightful popcorn you enjoy at the movies is bad for your oral health.
Popcorn is delicious; it can stick in between your teeth, which can cause the problem. Of course, you can remove it with dental floss, but a stuck kernel can lead to gum abscess. In some situations, it can become a painful condition in which bacteria develop pus-like tissue. If left unattended, it can cause tooth loss. Eat your popcorn with caution, and always brush twice to avoid any dental complications.
10. Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, but they can deteriorate your oral health.
Dried fruits are high in sugar content and sticky in nature. The sugar content gives bacteria access, while the sticky nature causes it to cling to your teeth, which eventually also leads to bacterial infestation. However, it doesn’t mean that you completely stop consuming dried fruits. You can eat them and rinse your mouth thoroughly to get rid of any possible trace.
11. Fruit Juices
Again, fruit juices are loaded with the main culprit – sugar. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the high sugar content and change it to acids, which further complicates your oral health journey.
We hope this was a helpful post!
If you are looking forward to maintaining your oral health, contact our dental care specialists at Huch Family Dentistry. Our experts will help you keep your gums and teeth healthy by providing the best dental care solutions. From dental implants to pediatric dentistry, we do everything to take care of your dental care needs.
Book an appointment with us or give us a call at (843) 797-0782 to know more!